Flathead / Plagiocephaly

Flat head syndrome is the name given to the condition when part of a baby’s head becomes flattened due to continued pressure on one spot.There are two types of flat head syndromes in babies.

Plagiocephaly – This is a flattening on one side of a baby’s head.Its most common form is ‘positional plagiocephaly’, which happens when a baby’s head develops a flat area due to continued pressure on one side of their head. Babies are most vulnerable because their skull is soft and pliable when they’re born.

Brachycephaly – This refers to the condition where a baby’s head is disproportionately wide compared to its depth.

It can happen when babies lie for long periods on their backs. This causes the whole of the back of their head to flatten, resulting in a much wider and shorter head.